Cooler Philly Weather Brings Relief for Pollen Sufferers

Rain is coming to Philadelphia, and it’s set to lower the heat that topped 98 degrees earlier this week. Meteorologists say showers will start around 4 p. m. and could last until midnight, bringing rain every day through Monday. Models predict up to an inch of rain on Thursday, more than double the monthly total for May at the airport. Storm warnings have risen; some storms could bring winds up to 60 mph in eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and northern Delaware. By Wednesday night the temperature will drop sharply, falling into the 60s for most of Thursday and staying in the 50s on Saturday. AccuWeather expects a high of 54 °F for that day, the lowest recorded in May on the 23rd. If clouds stay thick, the temperature might stay below that level for all of Saturday’s evening.Sunday should see a rebound, with temperatures climbing into the 70s for Memorial Day itself. However, sunshine will likely be blocked by lingering clouds over the weekend. The wet and cooler conditions are a welcome pause for those dealing with spring pollen. During the past week, trees and grasses released a large amount of pollen into the air, causing discomfort for many residents. Rain helps wash pollen out and lowers temperatures, both of which reduce airborne pollen levels. After the showers subside, people can expect fewer allergy symptoms for several days. The summer season is officially starting over Memorial Day, but the weather will be a mix of cool and rainy days rather than the hot sunshine many anticipate.